Marin IJ Readers' Forum for Aug. 18

It is difficult to imagine that a public official can, with a straight face, claim that cancelling service on regularly full bus routes makes the service "more reliable."

But that is what we are told. See Independent Journal quote of Teri Mantony on July 18 ("Bus 54, where are you?") and again this past weekend.

It is not just the 6:40 a.m. and 4:43 p.m Route 54 buses that have been cancelled, as reported on July 18. This morning, the overflow line of passengers for the 7:34 a.m. bus were told that the 7:49 had been "cancelled."

Not all of those in line were able to board the 7:34 bus, even if willing to stand all the way to San Francisco.

Why is the Golden Gate Bridge district not hiring the qualified drivers who pitch in for "bus bridges" when BART service is interrupted? Why are the ferry workers threatening to strike while their supervisors enjoy pay raises? Meanwhile, the rest of us pay higher bridge tolls and bus and ferry fares, for service that is increasingly "reliably" nonexistent.

It is way past time for accountability from the top down at the Golden Gate Bridge district. If New York City can do it (see Rudy Giuliani's book, "Leadership"), we in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area should also be able to fix this.

— Barbara Campbell, San Rafael

U.S. is a 'violent,

racist' country

The recent murder of an unarmed black youth and subsequent storm trooper tactics on protesters — and journalists — is the tipping point in the systemic militarization by the urban police forces across this country.

Those whose responsibilities are to protect and serve have a record of years murdering African-Americans of any age for any reason they determine right.

And then the most moving insult to the citizens of the place of assassination is the event is evaluated by the perpetrators' own police force. The number found guilty is practically nil. Then the district attorney refuses to press charges.

No longer the cop on the beat eating his gifted apple; it's cops in armored Humvees caressing modified machine guns.

Closer to home I have only to mention the recent despicable attack on a black woman by a rookie California Highway Patrol officer. Once the most respected police force in the state.

The United States is the most violent, racist country in the so-called advanced nations. The one demographic category in which we stand alone at the top.

— Alfred Auger, Fairfax

Bidding sad farewell

to local restaurateurs

It is a sad goodbye to Rebecca and Kuan Lo, the owners of Szechuan Chef, a wonderful Chinese restaurant in Fairfax.

After 22 years they are closing due to arent raise and landlord refusal to renew lease. With no lease the owners will get nothing for their business. As fate would have it, Rebecca's husband, Kuan, the talented chef behind the scene, is 64, and after yars in the kitchen needs two new knees.

Rebecca has become a friend of ours and hundreds of other Fairfax customers. She would sidle up to the table and spend time with you. She had more questions than a district attorney! She is smart, and has a sweet, engaging way about her. She loved Fairfax and her customers.